The Dunkin’ coconut refresher is a newer addition to the Dunkin’ menu that offers a refreshing, coconut-flavored iced beverage. It combines flavors like coconut and tropical fruits for a bright, sweet drink. But what exactly goes into making these coconut refreshers?
Ingredients in the Dunkin’ Coconut Refresher
According to Dunkin’, the main ingredients in a coconut refresher are:
- Coconut concentrate
- Natural flavors
- Filtered water
- Cane sugar
- Citric acid
- Guar gum
- Sodium citrate
- Reb A stevia leaf extract
Let’s break down each of these ingredients a bit more:
Coconut Concentrate
Coconut concentrate or coconut cream is made by squeezing the creamy meat and liquid out of fresh coconuts. This extract gives the refresher its coconut flavor. The concentrate contains coconut oil, proteins, and fiber and has a naturally sweet and creamy taste.
Natural Flavors
Natural flavors enhance the coconut concentrate and likely provide some of the tropical fruit notes in the drink. These are flavorings derived from fruits, plants, spices, etc. They give more depth of flavor.
Filtered Water
Filtered water is the base of the beverage. It provides the liquid component and gets flavored by the coconut concentrate and other ingredients.
Cane Sugar
Cane sugar is added to sweeten the beverage. It also enhances the creamy coconut flavors.
Citric Acid
Citric acid adds some subtle tartness to balance the sweetness. It occurs naturally in citrus fruits and provides a fresh, bright note.
Guar Gum
Guar gum is a plant-based stabilizer and thickener. It helps give the beverage a smooth, creamy texture.
Sodium Citrate
Sodium citrate is another stabilizer that prevents the ingredients from separating or precipitating out.
Reb A Stevia Leaf Extract
Stevia leaf extract is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener extracted from stevia plants. It adds sweetness without extra calories or carbohydrates.
Nutrition Information
What are the basic nutrition facts in a Dunkin’ coconut refresher?
| Nutrition Facts | 16 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 100 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 41 g |
| Sugar | 41 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
A 16 fl oz serving of the coconut refresher contains around 160 calories, no fat, 100mg sodium, 41g total carbohydrates and sugar, and no protein. The beverage gets its calories and carbohydrates from the added cane sugar.
Preparation Process
So how exactly does Dunkin’ make these refreshers? Here are the basic steps:
- Brew concentrated coconut extract by steeping coconut meat in hot water
- Combine concentrate with filtered water, cane sugar, and other ingredients in a large batch tank
- Mix thoroughly to dissolve sugar and incorporate flavors
- Chill the mixture by passing through a cold heat exchanger
- Dispense into cups with ice to serve
The coconut concentrate is brewed in advance to draw out all the coconut flavor. The final beverage is then assembled by mixing this concentrate with the sweeteners, water, and other enhancers. The drink is chilled before serving to give it an icy, refreshing taste.
Brewing the Coconut Concentrate
Making the coconut concentrate is a multi-step process. First, fresh coconut meat is shredded or chopped into small pieces. This is then added to hot water and steeped for a period of time. The temperature and steeping time help extract the aromatic coconut flavor and creaminess from the coconut solids.
The liquid is then strained out while the solids are pressed or squeezed to remove any remaining coconut cream and moisture. More hot water may be passed through the solids as well. Once all the flavor has been extracted, the strained liquid is the coconut concentrate or extract used in the drinks.
Combining the Ingredients
The coconut concentrate gets added to filtered water along with cane sugar and other natural enhancers like flavors, citric acid, etc. These ingredients are combined in a large batch tank and thoroughly mixed together so the sweeteners fully dissolve.
Getting the proper proportions of concentrate, sweeteners, and water is important for achieving the right coconut-y and tropical taste. The ingredients are carefully measured out and mixed according to Dunkin’s own specifications.
Chilling the Beverage
Once mixed, the beverage needs to be chilled down to serving temperature. This is done by pumping the liquid through a cooling heat exchanger unit. The cold side of the heat exchanger chills the mixture down to around 40°F or so.
The now icy-cold beverage is kept chilled in refrigerated holding tanks until it’s time to serve. Dispensing the pre-chilled drink over ice keeps it cold and refreshing for enjoying.
Customization Options
Dunkin’ offers a few ways to customize your coconut refresher order:
Size
You can order coconut refreshers in small, medium, large, and extra large sizes. The small is 12 oz, medium is 16 oz, large is 20 oz, and extra large is 24 oz.
Added Flavors
Additional fruit flavors can be added to the coconut refresher for an extra cost. Options include:
- Strawberry
- Peach
- Blueberry
- Raspberry
- Mango
These real fruit juices complement the coconut for a more tropical taste.
Sweetness Level
You can ask for less or extra sweetness. Specify if you want your drink to have 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, or 125% of the usual sweetener amount.
Storage and Shelflife
How long do the coconut refreshers stay fresh? Here is how Dunkin’ stores them and how long they last:
Refrigerated Storage
The pre-mixed coconut refreshers are kept refrigerated in holding tanks at Dunkin’ locations. They are stored at 38-40°F until dispensed.
Dispenser Shelf Life
The refrigerated coconut beverage has a shelf life of 4-5 days in the dispensing machine. After this time, the drink loses flavor quality and is discarded.
Cup Shelf Life
Once dispensed into a cup with ice, it’s recommended to drink coconut refreshers within 30 minutes for best taste. The icy temperature helps preserve the beverage short-term.
Variation Between Locations
Dunkin’ aims to offer consistent menu items across all locations. However, some small variations may exist in the coconut refreshers based on factors like:
- Slight differences in water mineral content between regions which may impact taste
- Variations in refrigeration temperature from one unit to another
- Differences in exact mixture proportions and brewing time at each location
- Use of different coconut cream brands in different areas
- Changes in ingredient vendors
But the overall flavor profile and quality standards remain the same. Customers can expect a very similar product regardless of which Dunkin’ they visit.
Packaged Coconut Refresher Products
In addition to their in-store coconut refreshers, Dunkin’ also offers packaged coconut beverages and creamers:
Bottled Dunkin’ Coconut Refreshers
Pre-bottled coconut refreshers are available at retail locations in Original, Strawberry, Peach, and Blueberry flavors. These 11 oz bottles offer the same flavors found in the stores for enjoying anywhere.
Dunkin’ Coconut Milk
Coconut milk packaged in cartons is sold for use as a coffee creamer or drinking on its own. It provides rich coconut flavor with a dairy-free alternative to milk.
Dunkin’ Coconut Creamer
Liquid coconut creamer products in Original, Hazelnut, and French Vanilla varieties can add a coconut twist to hot or iced coffee beverages.
Dunkin’s packaged coconut drinks make it simple to get your favorite coconut refreshment anywhere your day takes you.
Nutritional Benefits
While the Dunkin’ coconut refreshers are fairly high in added sugars, the coconut ingredient itself does provide some nutritional value:
Electrolytes
Coconut water contains electrolyte minerals like potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium. This makes it more hydrating than plain water.
Fiber
Coconut meat is a good source of fiber, providing inulin and other soluble fibers that benefit digestion.
Antioxidants
Coconuts contain phenolic compounds and flavonoids which act as antioxidants to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
Vitamins
Coconut water provides vitamins like vitamin C, some B vitamins, and folate. The meat has minerals like manganese, copper, and iron as well.
So while cocktails and refreshers won’t be health drinks, the coconut itself adds nutrients and hydration you won’t find in other sweet beverages.
Potential Allergens
The Dunkin’ coconut refreshers are safe for most people to consume, but it’s important to be aware of possible allergens contained in certain ingredients:
Tree Nut Allergies
Coconuts are classified as tree nuts. Those with coconut or tree nut allergies should avoid consuming these beverages.
Soy
The guar gum may contain traces of soy from manufacturing. Dunkin’ cannot guarantee these drinks are soy-free.
Always inform staff of any food allergies when ordering. Allergen information can be found on Dunkin’s website or by contacting customer service as well.
Environmental Impact
Some eco-conscious consumers may wonder about the environmental footprint of these coconut drinks. Here are a few considerations:
Food Miles
The coconut ingredients may be shipped long distances, requiring fossil fuel use for transport. However, coconut itself has a relatively low environmental impact compared to other crops.
Packaging
Dunkin’ uses recyclable cups and lids, however, many still end up in landfills. The bottled coconut drinks create more plastic waste.
Water and Energy Use
Operating the beverage machines uses tap water and electricity. However, coconut requires far less water to produce than ingredients like almonds or dairy.
While no single drink can be perfectly sustainable, Dunkin’ offers some lower impact options for coconut drink lovers.
Price and Availability
How much does a Dunkin’ coconut refresher cost? Here are the current prices and where they can be purchased:
| Size | Price |
|---|---|
| Small | $2.49 |
| Medium | $2.69 |
| Large | $2.99 |
| Extra Large | $3.19 |
Prices may be a little higher in some markets. Coconut refreshers can be purchased at most Dunkin’ locations in the U.S. They are available year-round as a permanent menu item. Bottled coconut drinks can be found at many grocery stores, gas stations, and online retailers too.
Conclusion
Dunkin’s coconut refreshers offer a tasty way to sip on some coconut flavor. They combine coconut concentrate with cane sugar, natural flavors, and fruit juices for a sweet, creamy beverage. While high in sugar, they do provide some hydration and nutrients from the coconut itself. Prices range from $2.49 to $3.19 for a customizable chilled drink that many find hard to resist.